Construction of new 49ers stadium has claimed the lives of 2 workers

Construction site of Levi’s StadiumConstruction site of Levi’s Stadium

Since breaking ground in April of 2012, construction on the new home of the San Francisco 49ers has claimed the lives of two workers, according to a report from the San Francisco Chronicle.

The $1.2 billion stadium, named Levi’s Stadium, is slated to open in time for the 2014 NFL season.

The first worker, 63-year-old Donald White, was killed on June 11 of this year when he was hit with an elevator counterweight while working from a ladder at the bottom of a shaft.

Saying that White, an experienced mechanic “knew the elevator was in motion” and for unknown reasons remained where he was, Cal/OSHA spokesman Peter Melton told the paper that the joint venture between Turner Construction Co. of New York City and Devcon Construction Inc. of Milpitas, California would not be cited for White’s death.

The second worker, 60-year-old Edward Lake II, was killed Monday when he was crushed by rebar he was unloading at the site. An investigation by state and local officials is underway and it is still unclear why and how the rebar collapsed.

Work on the stadium resumed this morning with special safety meetings scheduled in response to the tragedy and counseling for workers available.